Red itchy watery eyes can be uncomfortable and worrisome, mostly when you are not sure what is causing them. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a common cause of red eye that can occur in children and adults. It can develop due to an infection, allergy, or irritation.
Certain forms of pink eye are highly contagious; others are not. By familiarizing yourself with the symptoms, causes, treatment options, and indications of severity, you can determine when pink eye needs just a little home treatment and when you should seek the attention of your doctor.
What Is Pink Eye?
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva (sometimes called the 'conjunctiva bulbi') is the delicate transparent tissue that covers the sclera (the visible part of the globe) and lines the eyelids.
Pink eye can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, and chemical or environmental irritants.
Treatment will often depend on the cause. For example, antibiotic medication is not effective for viral or allergy-related conjunctivitis.
What Are the Symptoms of Pink Eye?
Pink eye symptoms can vary depending on the cause, but common symptoms include:
Red or pink appearance of the eye
Watery eyes
Eye discharge
Itching or irritation
Burning or gritty sensation
Swollen eyelids
Crusting around the eyelids
Increased sensitivity to light
Viral conjunctivitis often causes watery discharge and may occur along with cold or respiratory symptoms. Bacterial conjunctivitis may produce thicker discharge and crusting.
Allergic conjunctivitis commonly causes significant itching, watering, and redness and may affect both eyes.
What Causes Pink Eye?
Pink eye can develop for several different reasons.
Viral Conjunctivitis
Viruses are a common cause of pink eye. Viral conjunctivitis can occur along with a cold or another respiratory infection and can spread easily through close contact.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Bacteria can also cause conjunctivitis. This type may produce thicker eye discharge and eyelid crusting.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergies can cause inflammation of the conjunctiva. Pollen, dust, pet dander, and other allergens may trigger symptoms.
Unlike infectious pink eye, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.
Irritant Conjunctivitis
Exposure to smoke, chemicals, chlorine, cosmetics, or other irritants can cause eye redness and discomfort.
Is Pink Eye Contagious?
Some forms of pink eye are contagious.
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can spread through contact with infected eye discharge, contaminated hands, towels, pillowcases, cosmetics, or other objects.
If you have infectious pink eye, good hygiene can reduce the risk of spreading it.
Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, do not share towels or eye makeup, and clean items that may have come into contact with eye discharge.
If you wear contact lenses, follow your healthcare provider's guidance about when it is safe to resume wearing them.
How Is Pink Eye Treated?
Pink eye treatment depends on its cause.
Viral Pink Eye
Most viral conjunctivitis cases improve on their own. Supportive care may include cool compresses, artificial tears, and avoiding activities that worsen irritation.
Antibiotics do not treat viral infections.
Bacterial Pink Eye
Some bacterial cases may improve without antibiotics, while others may require prescription antibiotic eye drops or ointment.
A healthcare provider can determine whether antibiotic treatment is appropriate based on your symptoms and medical history.
Allergic Pink Eye
Treatment focuses on reducing exposure to allergens and controlling inflammation and itching. Artificial tears and allergy medications may provide relief for some people.
Irritant Pink Eye
If an irritant gets into the eye, flushing the eye with clean water may help. Chemical exposures, particularly those involving strong chemicals, may require immediate medical evaluation.
Can Pink Eye Be Treated Through Telehealth?
In many cases, telehealth can be a convenient way to discuss pink eye symptoms with a healthcare provider.
During an online doctor appointment, the provider may ask about:
When your symptoms started
Whether one or both eyes are affected
Eye redness and discharge
Itching or pain
Changes in vision
Recent illnesses or respiratory symptoms
Allergies
Contact lens use
Possible exposure to someone with pink eye
Recent exposure to chemicals or other irritants
Based on your symptoms and medical history, a telehealth provider can discuss possible causes and recommend appropriate next steps.
Depending on your symptoms, an online provider may determine that you can receive treatment through virtual healthcare services or may recommend an in-person eye examination.
Telemedicine is not appropriate for every eye problem, particularly when symptoms suggest a more serious condition.
When Should You See a Doctor for Pink Eye?
Many mild cases of conjunctivitis are not emergencies. However, certain symptoms require prompt medical evaluation.
Contact a healthcare provider if your symptoms are severe, persistent, or getting worse.
You should seek urgent medical care if you experience:
Significant eye pain
Sudden changes in vision
Severe sensitivity to light
Significant swelling around the eye
Injury to the eye
A chemical exposure
Severe headache with eye symptoms
Symptoms that are rapidly worsening
Contact lens wearers should take eye redness and pain seriously because certain eye infections can become serious and may require prompt evaluation.
If you are unsure whether your symptoms are simple conjunctivitis or something more serious, it is safer to discuss them with a healthcare professional.
How Can You Prevent Pink Eye?
Good hygiene can reduce the risk of infectious conjunctivitis.
Helpful precautions include:
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
Do not share towels or washcloths
Avoid sharing eye makeup
Replace eye makeup that may have become contaminated
Clean contact lenses according to recommended instructions
Do not share contact lens equipment
Avoid close contact with someone who has contagious pink eye
If you have pink eye, wash your hands after touching your eyes or applying eye medication.
Pink Eye vs. Allergies: What's the Difference?
Pink eye and eye allergies can cause redness and watering, but there are some differences.
Allergic conjunctivitis often causes intense itching and usually affects both eyes. It may also occur with sneezing, nasal congestion, or other allergy symptoms.
Infectious conjunctivitis may cause eye discharge, crusting, and redness and can sometimes begin in one eye before affecting the other.
Because symptoms can overlap, a healthcare provider can help determine the most likely cause.
Get Medical Guidance From Home
There are many reasons why your eyes may be red and itchy. The best treatment depends on the cause of your symptoms. Humancare Connect makes it simple to connect with a doctor online when you experience common health problems.
If your symptoms seem like they may be consistent with pink eye and you are wondering where to go from here, an online doctor appointment can inform you of your options and advise if you need further treatment.
For severe eye pain, sudden vision changes, serious injury, or chemical exposure, seek urgent in-person medical care rather than relying on telehealth alone.